Banbury Christmas Tractor Run appeal to reach fundraising target 

19 December 2025

Raising £100,000 would have a huge impact on the hospice, which operates 365 days a year. The funds could pay for a day’s specialist palliative care for 191 patients on the Inpatient Unit or cover the average monthly food bill at the hospice for 38 months, including lots of festive food at this time of year, or fund 23 Community Nurses for a whole month, who provide the hospice’s specialist palliative care to patients in their own homes and in care homes.  

Thousands of supporters lined the streets of Banbury and surrounding villages across north Oxfordshire on Saturday 13 December, as well as over 500 people tuning in for the live stream online, to watch the festive fleet of 100 tractors travel a 20-mile route from Spring Hill Farm in Barford-St-Michael. 

Roseann Thompson, Community Engagement Manager at Katharine House Hospice, said, “We are overwhelmed by the support we had for the Tractor Run from all the spectators on the night, from our local community and from local businesses. As our tenth event, we wanted to raise £100,000 this year to support the vital work of Katharine House Hospice, which costs £5.9m each year to run.  We’ve already had some generous donations and, if you can help us reach this target, we would be so grateful.” 

Jennie Steenkamp from RC Baker, founder and co-organiser of the Tractor Run, said, “The view from the tractor cab was simply incredible. The crowds were amazing, waving and cheering, and adding so much atmosphere to the event. The effort and creativity farmers pour into their tractors is truly inspiring; some of these magnificent creations reflect years of dedication, with many participants having been with us since we started back in 2016.   

“Seeing the community come together and enjoy the event so much is always a real highlight. It was amazing to hear from people who travelled from across the UK to be there. What makes it even more meaningful is the incredible amount of money raised for a charity so close to the hearts of so many in our community and among the tractor drivers. If there’s one thing you can do this Christmas, please consider donating to the Tractor Run and help us meet our target for a very special cause.” 

The live stream recording of the Tractor Run is available on the Tractor Run webpage, where people can also make a donation towards the hospice.